A player who certainly causes division across the fanbase for a variety of reasons, but one that has a rare knack for bailing his team out time and time again. João Pedro possesses a quality that struggles to be replicated across the Albion squad, and his return is perfect timing for the race for Europe.
When the run-in gets tough…
João Pedro returns after a three match ban sustained at Brentford. The red-card was a silly one, and fans were rightly angry with Brighton in serious contention for European places. Subsequently, it is Brentford who could pip Albion with two games left to play. The current situation is very much in the Bees hands, as they hold the cards with a superior goal difference, and in a rich vein of form.
Of course, you can’t look back envious over a side when presented and missing an opportunity to beat them. Albion must now focus on what they can control, beating both Liverpool and Tottenham.
Perhaps looking back on Pedro’s career at Brighton one day could cause some division, and thus even possibly making him underrated as far as impactful player’s at this football club.
Despite the controversy, I can only see Pedro’s return as a positive.
Moments win games
The term ‘big game player’ gets thrown around a lot. Big players who actually step up in big moments. It’s rare, not many have the knack; even if they do have the ability. It’s what separated players like Cristiano Ronaldo from the countless other unbelievable talents that the 2010s shared. Some players had the ability, but they didn’t have the reliability.
For years, this was one of my biggest issues with Brighton. You looked up the road at Crystal Palace… and you knew who would have the chance to win the game. Wilfried Zaha delivered so consistently that it was scary whenever the two crossed paths. The same mentality that when looking back at our team, I never truly felt the same ‘feeling’ for. Don’t get me wrong, at the best of times, the ‘quality’ players belonged to the Albion, but it was an extra 10% edge that forced these types of players to step up when nothing else was happening for them.
Marseille home and away. Athens away. Manchester United at home. Manchester City at home. First ever goalscorer in Brighton’s history in European competion. Countless memories, all with similar fairytales. João Pedro has that extra piece of the jigsaw that was never in the box, the piece that most wouldn’t have even noticed is missing.
(Photo by Charlotte Wilson via Getty Images)
With power comes responsibility, and the Brazillian has been subject to some less glorious moments on the pitch. Berated for his recent red card and moments where it doesn’t truly feel like the heart is there. For me, the signs of a young superstar with the world at his feet, sometimes that can become a little too much for some.
It sounds silly, but amidst some incredible recent memories like Carlos Baleba’s unassailable rocket against West Ham (which is still one of the highest quality last minute goals ever scored at the Amex by some distance!)… it was João Pedro’s penalty vs Fulham that sticks out in my mind.
Albion have been relentlessly cursed by Fulham since the dawn of their Premier League time. Defeats after draws after unjust Manor Solomon hit and run goals, beating Fulham is one of those things that feels like a trophy to most Brighton fans.
With 94 minutes on the clock, Danny Welbeck atempts the Dimitar Berbatov turn, rebounding aimlessly back towards the awaiting goalkeeper’s grasp. Then appears the familiar number nine, chasing the loose ball, before hitting the deck upon feeling ‘contact’ in the back of the leg. Whether you want to argue a dive or foul, the referee points to the spot. For the first time in 9 years, Albion have the chance to finally claim all three points against their trickiest of opponents. The crazy part? It was never in doubt. João Pedro cooly, calmly, graciously slots the ball past Bernt Leno, and the story was written once again into Albion history books. That is what he brings.
Liverpool could be ‘on the beach’ after some heavy celebrating over the course of the weekend and into the new week. The newly crowned Premier League Champions have, on paper, nothing left to play for apart from pride. Before heading to North London, where the focus is firmly on their Europa League final for a first trophy in over 50 years… and not on the fact they’re one place away from relegation!
Brighton and Hove Albion can still qualify for Europe, fact. Having a serial winner back in the team can only enhance those odds back into our gambling owner’s favour.
